The Niners are picking in the top 15 for the first time in four years.
After a disappointing 6-11 season, the 49ers are headed to the offseason early, as they’re projected to have the No. 11 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. It’ll be the highest the 49ers are selecting since the 2021 NFL Draft, when they traded up from No. 12 to No. 3 to take quarterback Trey Lance.
However, unlike that year, the 49ers are entering the draft with a different mindset, as they have their quarterback position figured out and instead will look to use their resources at other positions of need.
So, what positions could be priorities for the 49ers in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft?
Defensive Tackle
Arguably the biggest need on the roster heading into the offseason comes up front on the defensive line.
The 49ers really struggled to defend the run, especially on the interior, and they didn’t get enough production from their defensive tackles, who suffered from injuries.
Moreover, they are releasing defensive tackle Javon Hargrave with a post-June 1st cut, making the position an even bigger need heading into the offseason.
A blue-chip defensive tackle has been the anchor of the defense in past years, and the 49ers could look to return to that with an early-round selection.
Looking at potential options, Michigan’s Mason Graham, Oregon’s Derrick Harmon, and others could be available at No. 11.
Defensive End
Sticking on the topic of the defensive line, the 49ers could look to secure a running mate for defensive end Nick Bosa with a selection in the first round.
While the 49ers signed Leonard Floyd and Yetur Gross-Matos last offseason, both joined the team on two-year deals and can be moved off this offseason.
There are a number of talented edge rushers in this draft, including Penn State’s Abdul Carter, Texas A&M’s Nic Scourton, and Georgia’s Jalon Walker, so the 49ers could get one of the top players at the position at No. 11.
The 49ers like versatility with their defensive linemen and have drafted a defensive lineman with their first pick in four of the eight drafts under Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch. It’s an option once again in 2025.
Offensive Tackle
There has been a ton of talk about finding the future replacement for star left tackle Trent Williams, who continues to get older and closer to the end of his career.
Well, the 49ers are in prime position to land one of the top offensive tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft at No. 11, and it could be a franchise-changing move.
There are a number of options that San Francisco could go with in 2025, as they could draft a tackle to play on the right side as a rookie, kicking Colton McKivitz inside or keeping him as a swing tackle.
They could also play their rookie on the inside before kicking them on the outside, so there are a ton of options should they choose an offensive tackle.
LSU’s Will Campbell, Texas’s Kelvin Banks, and Minnesota’s Aireontae Ersery are some of the top options available in this draft.
Cornerback
The 49ers are likely losing Charvarius Ward to free agency, opening up a starting spot in the secondary that could be filled with a first-round pick.
While there aren’t necessarily many options that will be realistic at the 49ers selection, they could look to bolster up the secondary if the right fit comes along.
The plan seems to be moving Deommodore Lenoir to the outside to play with Renardo Green, but there is flexibility available, and an option like Michigan’s Will Johnson could be enticing.
San Francisco seems poised to add a cornerback in this year’s draft with the number of likely departures in the offseason. We’ll see whether that happens as early as the first round or later down the line.